Tape dispenser



' H. C. GOULD TAPE DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 8, 1945 Inventor Patented Oct. 26, 1948 UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE,

TAPE DISPENSER Howard C. Gould, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application November 8, 1945, Serial No. 627,444

My invention relates to tape dispensers especially for dispensing lengths of adhesive tape to be used for wrapping packages and for other purposes or mending torn papers, documents and the like, such adhesive tape being known as pressure sensitive Cellophane, Scotch tape, TexceL etc., which may be transparent or opaque and which is generally coated on one surface with an adhesive having a relatively high degree of adhesiveness whi-ch renders the tape sticky and difcult to handle without adhering to the fingers or objects other than those on which it is to be used if allowed to come in contact therewith.

It is also pointed out that much of the tape used from a roll of tape or a conventional dispenser is in the form of very short pieces and with currently used dispensers, it is necessary to pick up the tape some distan-ce back from the free end and then shift the hold on the tape as usually grasped between a thumb and fore-finger, to the end in order to out oif a short piece.

The present invention renders it considerably more convenient and economical to handle the tape in this respect as there is no shifting of the hold on the tape required in the use of the device.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser of simple construction comprising a few parts which may be economically produced and assembled, as well as easily taken apart to insert a new roll of tape when a supply roll is exhausted and to provide novel means for cutting off a length of tape in such a manner that it leaves a free end portion of the tape protruding so that it can be conveniently grasped beyond the lips of the opening through which the tape is fed or drawn from the dispenser for more conveniently grasping the same between a thumb and foregnger and therefore more convenient to use.

It is also an object of the invention t provide a novel cutting device lconsisting of -a blade resiliently held against one side or lip of a slot in the casing through which it projects in a direction away from the tape coil or roll at its free end which is provided with a cutting edge or teeth to sever the tape at the desired point in selected lengths, andv which upon the tape being grasped and drawn out the required length and then pressed against the cutting edge in a lowered position, will cause the cutter to be quickly forced against the other side or lip of the slot and upon the tape being cut, severed or torn across lthe cut'- ting edge while the cutting blade is under tension, where resistance to the pressure of the tape causes thc latter tohe cut or torn across cleanly andas soon as the tape is cut, the pressure is released so A1() Claims. (Cl. 164-845) that the cutter springs back against the side of the slot which it initially engages to free the end portionv of the tape which immediately assumes a position by which it can be conveniently grasped assisted by the adhesion thereof against the lower side or lip of the exit opening through which it is drawn and at the same time is prevented from adhering to the cutter, although it may be presseddown against a fluted or concaved part of the casing below such opening or even below the cutting edge of the cutter to prevent adherence thereof to objects especially where the dispenser is moved about but in such a manner that the thumb or finger may be inserted under the tape to easily grasp the end thereof while dispensing another length of tape.

The invention also embodies an improvement in cutters for tape dispensers which is resiliently held away from the tape roll against one side of the slot through which the free end portion of the cutting blade projects and may be activated by a spring inherent in the blade itself, or and in addition to the resiliency thereof, so pressed by a separate tension member or spring in a direction away from the tape roll so that the cutting edge thereof is moved in a direction toward or near the tape roll after the tape is pulled out and is pressed against the cutting edge in the cutting process, so that when the tape is severed, the cutter is released to allow the cutter to resume its initial position and freeing the same from adhesion to the tape, as well as the end portion of the tape so that the latter assumes a position bywhich it may be conveniently grasped and pulled out for severing another length thereof.

The invention also proposes a tape dispenser' having a base of sufficient weight to give it stability and a two-part casing thereon which may be readily attached to or removed from the base to completely house a tape roll except for the protruding end thereof in position to be conveniently grasped for pulling out and dispensing a length of tape at an exit opening in the casing and also to house the cutter which has its cutting edge projecting from the casing in convenient position for eiiiciently severing desired lengths of tape in a simple and eflcient manner, while the casing is so constructed as to allow excellent streamlining of the dispenser, thus providing an attractive appearance and ease of cleaning thereof, as well as economical use, since the tape is protected and there is no waste.

Other objects and advantages reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference'being had to the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a tape dispenser in accordance with the invention, partly broken away and in section to show the normal position of the cutter and the position of the tape when being pulled out prior to severing an end portion thereof.

Figure 2 is a central longitudinal vertical sectional view thereof, showing the tape roll and cutter in elevation.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure l but showing the positions of the cutter and tape in the act of severing or cutting the tape.

Figure 4 is a front elevation or end View of the device.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken on the line 6 6 of Figure 1.

y Figure 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line 'I-T of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation showing `a spring of the coiled type for additionally activating or'pressing the cutter against one side of the slot throught which the cutting end `thereof projects in a direction remote or away from the tape roll for operation in freeing the end of thetape in the cutting process as hereinbefore referred to, `and Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 but showing another form of spring for additionally activating or pressingr the cutter against one side of the slot through which it projects for the same purpose as set forth in thebrief description of Figure 8. '.As illustrated in the drawings, the tape dispenser embodying my invention comprises a relativelyheavybase I0 of any suitable material, such as metal, cast or otherwise formed into the desired shape shown as elongated rectangular in plan and provided with streamlined convexly curved `edges I I narrowing the rim of the base toward the top. The base is recessed at the bottorn as indicated at I2, the wall above which is provided centrally with an unthreaded opening I3. The base is also recessed at the top as indicated at I4 to provide a narrow rim I5 surrounding the recess or depressing which is adapted to removably receive a casing I6. This casing which the top'recess takes comprises the upper dispenser case part consisting of oneside section I1 suitably-streamlined as shown and tapering in curved formation toward the top, .while the flared out bottom portion is provided with a laterally extending and relatively heavy bottom wall I8 snugly fitting in the recess I 4 at one side. The section II has an edge wall I9 which extends laterally or transversely from the top portion contiguous with the bottom wall I8 to a point near the opposite side of the top recess or depression `I 4 where it may beslightly curved downwardly at its free edge to overlie the upper edge of the relatively thick wall of the other side or section of the casing IB which has its enlarged or thickened bottom portionl 2l designed to snugly ft in the other side of the recess I4 and undercut at the inside and bottom soas to abut orreceive and interi-lt with the adjacent edge of the bottom wall I3 of the section I'Ifand snugly and completely lill the recess I4 so that the casing is rmly held. The casing may be additionally held in positionby providing the bottorn wall I8 with a threadedsocket or bore 22 and a thumb screw 23 shown as having a knurled and 4 slotted head, is passed up through the opening I3 and screwed into the threaded socket 22 to firmly connect the casing to the base. As shown in Figures 2 and 5 vof the drawings, the sides of the bottom portions I8 and 2I terminate at the top edges of the side walls of the recess Id, while the ends of the casing parts or sections I'I and 20 project outwardly as at 24 from the ends of the recess I4 to rest and bear upon the rim I5 to form a streamlined surface to improve the appearance and facilitate cleaning. While the casing parts may be made of any suitable material, it is preferably molded and may be of plastic or otherwise.

The casing section I1 has a laterally projecting spindle 25, which may be attached thereto or formed integral therewith in the molding and may have an enlarged portion or shoulder 28 at its base. This spindle 25 is located substantially intermediate the ends of the casing, while near the front end, the lateral or side Wall of the section I1 is similarly formed or provided with a laterally extending stud 2l projecting therefrom in the same manner as the spindle 25, terminating in the same vertical plane as the free end of the spindle 25 if desired and having an enlargement or shoulder 28 at its base, which like the shoulder 26, faces inwardly. The shoulders 26 and 28 serve as stops for engagement by the adjacent edges of the tape 32 and cutter 34 respectively, to keep them in proper alignment, so that the cutting edge 36 will extend entirely across the width of the tape to entirely sever the end portion or desired length thereof aswill be later described.

The front of the casing extends upwardly from the base II) and bottom I'8 and slopes rearwardly in angular relation thereto slightly less than a right angle but at an acute angle, while the top and rear portion slopes at a sharper acute angle and at the top and front/portion, the section l'I isprovided with an exit opening 29 narrowed and elongated horizontally as more particularly shown in Figure 4 with an out-turned or rolled lip- 30fat the top upturned and a similar lip 3l at the bottom. The roll or spool oradhesive tape indicated at 32, which-may be coiled on itself or upon a core of tubular section, is mounted upon the spindle 25 with the coated side innermost and the non-coated side outermost so that the tape may extend through the opening 29 and pulled or drawn against the lip 33 at the uncoated side as uncoiled from the roll for the desired length to prevent scraping or marring of the adhesive coating of the tape and avoid injury thereto, which in the case of transparent tape, will prevent the transparency thereof from being reduced so that writings or drawings mended by the tape will be clearly visible therethrough. The roll is held at the opposite side when the sections I'I and 20 are fitted together, mounted in and secured to the base I0 as previously described by providing a recess 32 in the inner face of the section 2B to receive the free end of the spindle 25 which firmly ts in the recess since the end of the spindle projects beyond the inner edge of the section I1 as seen in Figure 5 and forms a guide to lock or hold the sections 0f the casing in alignment and together. A similar but smaller recess 33 is provided in the inner face of the section 2B to receive the inner or free end of the stud 21 which also projects beyond the inner edge of the section II and its lateral wall I9 to snugly and rmly t in the recess 33 and form an additional guide to lock and hold the sections of the casing in alignment and together. To insert the' roll of tape in the case initially or to re.`

place a supply which has been exhausted, the thumb screw 23 is loosened or removed so that the sections of the casing may be lifted out of the base. The roll is applied to or slipped over the spindle 25 after a short length of the tape is unrolled as in Figure 2 with the end oi the tape at the same time being slipped sidewise or edgewse into the opening 29 at the open end at the edge of the section il and its lateral wall I9 and then the sections of the case are placed together as in Figures i and 5 with the spindle 25 and the stud 2l Iitting the recesses 32 and 33, respectively. The assembled sections are then placed back as a unit in the recess Ill in the base l Il and the thumb screw 23 inserted through the opening I3 and threaded to the socket 2d to secure the case to the base.

The stud 'l supports the cutter 3d which is shown as a spring or spring strip of correct tension and resilient character for the particular type of tape to be used and as illustrated, the stud is provided with a slot 35 through the stud and shown of sinuous form to firmly anchor the spring therein. It is curved upwardly and forwardly and at its free end, is provided with a cutting edge or knife Sii which may be of the saw tooth Variety to readily sever the tape at ther desired point or by which it may be cut or tornby pressure thereagainst supplemented by a twisting tearing action. The iree end of the cutter extends through an upwardly and forwardly facing slot 3l in the rearwardly sloping front portion of the case which has an upper rolled edge or lip 38 at the top turned upwardly in rounding formation, the same as the lips 3D and 3l and formed at the lower portion oi an intervening concaved portion of the case wall indicated at 39. immediately kbelow the opening 29 and lip 3|, which may be fiuted or provided with a central vertical grooved portion as shown inrFigures 2 and 'l so that should the free projecting end of the tape bend down against the case, and the lower coated side adhere thereto, a thumb or finger may be readily inserted in the iiuted portion or groove beneath the tape so as to free the latter and permit it to be conveniently grasped for pulling the tape from the roll by unwinding the latter from its coiled position on the roll during which time the latter turns on the spindle 25. At the lower side oi the slot 3'! which substantially corresponds `to the opening `9, the same is provided with a rolled or outturned edge forming a lip i) against which the cutter 312 is normally pressed. In the form shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, with the cutting teeth along the upper horizontal edge or extremity thereof projecting from the slot Eil' and lips 38 and 133, the spring is activated or pressed against the lower lip 40 at the lower side oi the slot 3l by reason of its rigid mounting in the stud 2l and its natural resiliency or spring character inherent in the part itself, but may bel otherwise activated or urged against said lip in a direction away from the roll of tape in its normal position by other means, as will be hereinafter more fully described in connection with Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings.

In the operation of the device, after the dispenser has been assembled in the manner described, with the free end portion of the tape extending through the exit opening 2S as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, the said end is grasped between a thumb and iorenger and drawn or pulled outwardly to unroll a desired length of tape from the supply roll 32 in the manner shown in Figure 1 of the drawings with the upper-or uncoated side of the tape pressing against the upper lip 3u at the top of the opening 29. The required length having been drawn out, and the coated side being prevented from being marred or `scratched in such manner as to scrape the adhesive therefrom or interiere with the transparency of Cellophane, cellulose, or pressure sensitive adhesive tapes such as Scotch tape by reason of the upper uncoated side thereoi being against the lip 3u and the lower coated side being spaced from the lip 3l, the tape is then lowered and torn across the cutting or toothed cutter edge 36 of the cutter 3d. By reason of the pressure thus exerted against the cutter due to the tension as the tape is pressed against it, the cutter is quickly forced or exed against the upper lip 38 of the slot 3l and away from the lip 48' as seen in Figure 3 of the drawings, from the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this position, the cutter is limited in its further movement and the solid resistance to the pressure of the tape causes the latter to be cut or torn across cleanly while still grasping the same between the thumb and forenger for use. As soon as the tape is cut or severed from the main strip on the roll, the pressure on the cutter is released and it immediately springs back from the upper side 38 of the slot 31 to the lower side i0 thereof in its initial normal position. The cutting edge engages the coated side of the tape and would normally tend to adhere thereto, but when the tape is cut, and the pressure released by severing the ,end portion thereof, the springing back of the cutter as soon as the tape is cut to the lowerA side of the opening, frees -or springs away from the projecting end of the tape between the opening 29 and the lip 38 or cutting edge 36 where it has been severed so that it immediately assumes the convenient position shown in Figure 2 by which it may be grasped for pulling out and severing another length in the manner described. Also, the tape is held in this position, pressed against the lower lip 3| of the opening '29 by the adhesion of the adhesive coating thereon against said lip so as to prevent the roll from turning or unwinding until an additional length thereof is dispensed. However, should it be desired, the tape may drop down and become anchored to the fiuted section 39 o'r this may be purposely done, or an additional length maybe drawn out as in dispensing and severing a length in the manner described in connection with Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings and in the latter position, the end thereof may be fastened to a correspondingly fluted or grooved portion 4l of the case beneath the slot 3l and lip l0 as with portion 3B.V This is especially desirous where the dispenser is moved about, the iiuted sections being located above and below the cutter as aboveV described. Thus, it might be more desirable to pull the end of the tape past the cutter and stick it to the case at the uted portion M which will enable a thumb or nger to be inserted under the tape to facilitate picking up the tape end and grasping the-same between the thumb and forefinger for pulling out additional lengths and severing the same at the cutter in the manner previously described herein. This arrangement and construction is much more convenient and eX- peditious to use than conventional dispensers especially where the tape used is in the form of very short pieces, it being necessary in currently used dispensers to pick up the tape some distance a back from the end and then shift the hold on the tape to the end in order to cut off a short piece, whereas the present device is more convenient and economical to use in this respect, as there is no shifting of the hold on the tape required. The basic novel feature is the movement of the cutter and cutting edge thereof automatically and normally away from the roll of tape and in a direction toward the roll of tape or at the tcp and back of the slot through which the cutter extends by reason of the pressure of the tape against the cutting edge of the cutter in severing a length of the same in the manner described, from the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the position shown in Figure 3 and the freeing of the end of the tape by the automatic and normal movement of the cutter in a direction away from the rcll or toward the bottom lip 40 of the slot 31 after the tape is cut and severed, thus freeing the projecting end of the tape at the opening 29in convenientvposition to be grasped for repeating the dispensing and severing process.

rIn the form of the cutter as previously described, the same is resiliently held toward the lip 4U at the lower side of `the slot 31 and in a direction away from the roll of tape by the resiliency or spring inherent in the part or resilient strip forming the cutter 34 itself so that it may ilex and be forced against the lip 38 at the upper side of the slot 31 and in a direction toward the roll of tape upon pressure being applied thereto by the tape in cutting or severing the samein a manner shown in Figure 3 of the drawings at the beginning of the cutting process so that upon the tape being cut, and the cutter being released, the cutting edge immediately assumes its former and normal position as the cutter resumes its position at the lower part of the slot 31 against the lip 40 thereby freeing the end of the remaining tape to assume the position shown in Figure 21which is the same as the initial position of the tape when the three parts of the case are assembled, namely, the base I and the case sections l1 and 28 and held in the top` recess of the base together with the anchoring or thumb screw 23 in the manner described. In the form shown in Figure 8, the spring is additionally activated or held in its normal position pressed against the lip 40 at the lower side of the slot 31 by a coil spring 42 one endof which is anchored as at 43 to the side wall of the section i1 in a notch therein, while the opposite end presses against the back of the cutter 34 and may engage an opening therein to assist in preventing displacement of the spring.

Thus, the expansible spring tending to unwind, exerts pressure against the back of the cutter and holds it down against the lip 40. Thus, after the severing operation when the cutter is pressed against the, upper lip 38 in` a direction toward the tape roll, it will automatically spring back immediately after the tape is cut with the cutting edge in its former normal position and freeing the end of the remaining tape.

In Figure 9 of the drawings, cutter 34 has a flat strip of resilient character forming a spring as indicated at 44, one end portion of which is bent angularly and anchored to the lower portion of the spring strip forming the cutter 34, as indicated at 45, while the other end which is free, extends downwardly and rearwardly at an obtuse angle and is held against a pin 46 forming a lug projecting inwardly from the side wall of the section I1, so as to exert pressure against the cutter 34 to press it against the bottom lip 40 of the slot 31. This device, as well as the device shown in Figure 8 operate substantially in the same manner as described in connection with the structure shown in Figure 2, except that in this form, as well as in the form shown in Figure 8, the cutter 34 need not possess a necessary resiliency to press it inherently normally toward the lower lip 4D of the slot 31 and also, instead of being rigidly anchored to the stud 21 in any suitable manner as by being passed through a curved or sinuous slot diametrically thereof, is mounted to turn on the spindleby reason of a bearing sleeve 41 at the inner end of the cutter strip formed preferably at the inner end thereof by turning the same in tubular form as shown or otherwise. In other words, the springs of Figures 8 and 9 may be applied to the form shown in Figure 2 to assist the resiliency of the cutter when rigidly attached to the spindle 21, or to press against the cutter when the latter is adapted to turn by reason of being mounted to freely move on the spindle to the extent required to operate between the lips 38 and lili of the slot 31 in cutting and releasing the tape.

A narrow vertical window or opening 2D may be provided on one or both sides of the casing 20 for viewing or observing the amount of tape remaining on the roll 32 so that the same may be replenished by a new roll when necessary.

The advantages of the device are that it is very convenient to use since the tape end is always free to grasp quickly in addition to the greater portion of the tape on the roll being completely enclosed to provide complete protection thereof from dust and foreign matter for the tape, with only the free end exposed and the casing being so constructed that the dispenser is made in three parts consisting of the base and two section case with the base sufficiently heavy to give it Weight and stability to maintain its position on a support and streamlined to provide attractive appearance and ease of cleaning as well as economical use since the tape is protected and there is no waste.

Of course, in addition to adhesive tape such as set forth, including Scotch" tape, paper, or surgical tape, any sort of strip material may be dispensed with the device.

While in the foregoing there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of this invention it is to be understood that minor changes in the details of construction, combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new ls:

l. A dispenser for strip material including a case, means within the case for supporting for rotation, a supply of strip material, said case having an opening through which the strip material may be fed, a cutter extending through a slot in the case and spring-pressed against one side thereof away from the supply and adapted to be moved against the other side of the slot when the strip material is fed out and pressed against the projecting edge of the cutter in a direction toward the supply, whereby when the strip is severed, the cutter immediately returns to its initial position to disengage itself from the projecting unsevered end portion of the strip material,

2, A dispenser for strip material including a case, means within the :case for supporting for rotation, a supplyof strip material, said case hav-- ing an opening through which the strip material @arranco may bef fed; a cutter `extending through a `slot fin Y the case and normallyspring-pressed against one I side thereof away from the supply and adapted to be moved against the other 'side-ofthe slot-when the: strip material extending! 1-rom-the l-case for Y convenient grasping and feeding lof additional lengths of-strip material to 4be severed foruse.

3.\..A-dispenser for strip material or-tape,'vsuch .iastadhesive tapefcomprisinga case, means lwitheingthecase for supporting a rollof strip-material fcrrotation, Vthe=case having a lslot therethrough through which the strip material mayJbegdrawn and..norrnallyvprojecting therefrom to be grasped and a cutter p ijoecvtingy from the case and resiliently heldin aldire'ctionawayfrom the roll and ,..aganstwhieh Ithe pfoienineend of-thef material is adapted to be pressed forsevering a length thereof and toviiex rearwardly under pressure in severing and spring forwardly afterv severing to releaseand spring away from@ projectingiportion fof; the` stripgmaterialrwhereby the samecwill' as- ,sume a positionuto he.coni/ .eniently grasped for pulling additionalmlengths `ofthe stripi material from the roll.

.44. A :tape d ispenser-comprising a case' having a .Supporting ip asameanswithn the caserto sup- '.PQY a Supply 0f., tapeiaid case-having anafext opening through which the tape may be drawn, the oase lbelow said opening being provided with a slot, a spring-pressed cutter mounted in the case and having a cutting edge at its free end, said cutter extending through the slot with its cutting edge projecting from the case and normally resiliently held against the lower side of the slot but adapted upon the end portion of the tape projecting from the case being pressed downwardly and rearwardly thereagainst, to be forced rearwardly against the other side of the slot where solid resistance to the pressure of the tape causes the tape to be cut and torn across the cutting edge to automatically release the projecting end of the tape between the opening and the 'cutting edge for movement to a convenient position to be grasped and immediate automatic return of the cutter to the lower side of the slot to insure release of said projecting end of the tape.

5. A tape dispenser comprising the combination with a casing having a supply holding means and a feed opening through which an end portion of the tape is adap-ted to normally project, of a cutter mounted Within the case and extending upwardly and forwardly with its free end forming a cutting edge projecting from the case through a slot therein, said cutter being normally springpressed against the side of the slot remote from the projecting end of the tape and the supply and adapted to lbe moved toward the opposite side of the slot upon the tape being pulled out and pressed against the cutting edge to sever the same while the further movement of the cutter toward the projecting end portion and supply is resisted and adapted to automatically spring forwardly to the other side of the slot remote from said end portion andsupply upon the end portion of the tape being severed to spring away from and free the latter for assumption of a position to be conveniently grasped.

6. The combination with a casing having means for supporting a supply roll oiftape and anopeningthrough which an endofthe tape-may loe-fed,

vra cutterv projecting from'the casingandspringn pressed Ain one `direction lwhereby it may be-forced in the opposite direction upon pressure applied thereto `in vpressing the tapethereagainst `to sever `an'end :portion of thetape so that when the end "portion ofthetape is severed,- saidcutterwill automatically-spring back toits -initial positionvv to rtree itselifrom the unsevered projecting end portion of .thestape for-movement ofthe latter to a .front of the vopening. whereby whenvthe latteris drawn out and pressedzagainst the cutter ituwillbe '..in yany desired length.

' position above the cutter in convenient projecting relation to the case to be grasped and pulledo'ut 7.1Atapeldispenser comprising a base, a sec- `tional v-case removably .mounted `on v.the base, said sections havingmeanscooperating to -h'oldthe .same int alignment krand for supporting a supply y...oli tape and a-:cutter for `the tape, said. casing l adapted vtoprojectand be drawn, said cutter be- Y.ing .-resiliently.supported andfullcrumed inilthe caseeand having aprojecting end spaced from the .havingan openingathrough whichthe tape-is .projecting y:end ofthe tape extending through-an opening in .the-.caseand resiliently. heldatfthe severed against the cutter :in spacedrelation to itspoint of projection fromthe case andthe cutter forced againstftheback ofthesecond opening I...and whentthe tape iscutgthe' Icuttercwill.loe YreleaSed-and again spring againstthe irontlof the Y. second openingfree ofthe etape to leave: saidend .portion projecting forconvenient grasping.

8.LA tape dispenserfcornprising a base...-having a top recess, a case comprising a pair of sections fitted together and seated in the recess, one section overlying the other at the edge and having a bottom portion, means for detachably securing said section to the base through the base at the bottom portion,v one section having a spindle and a stud projecting laterally therefrom and the other section having recesses receiving the ends of said spindle and stud, said spindle adapted to support a roll of adhesive tape and the casing having an opening through which the end of the tape is adaptedto be drawn, and a slot beneath said opening, a cutter mounted on the stud and having its free end provided with a cutting edge projecting through the slot, said cutter being normally pressed against the front side of the slot and adapted upon pressing the projecting end portion of the tape thereagainst to move to the rear side of the slot to resist the pressure of the -tape thcreagainst and sever the tape, said cutter adapted to automatically spring against the other side of the slot when the tape is severed to disengage from the tape and release the projecting end ci the tape for movement to a position for convenient grasping.

9. A tape dispenser comprising a base .having a top recess, a case comprising a pair of sections fitted together and seated in the recess, one section'overlying the other at the top and having a bottom portion, means for detachably securing said section to the base through the base at the bottom portion, one section having a spindle and a stud projecting laterally therefrom and the other section having recesses receiving the ends of said spindle and stud, said spindle adapted to support a roll of adhesive tape and the casing the rear side of the slot to resist the pressure of the tape thereagainst and sever the tape, said cutter adapted toY automatically spring against the other side of the slot when the tape is severed to disengage from the tape and release the projecting end of the tape for movement to a position for convenient grasping, means urging said cutter to its normal position, said case at points beneath the opening and slot being provided with fluted portions forming recesses whereby upon the tape being adhered to the case there- I over, a-thumb or finger may be readily inserted beneath the tape to free and grasp the same.

. 10. A tapel dispenser comprising a base having j atop recess, a case comprising a pair of sections fitted together seated in the recess, one section ,overlying the other at the top and having a bottom portion, means for detachably securing said section to the base through the base at the bottom portion, one section having a spindle and a stud projecting laterally therefrom and the other section having recesses receiving the ends of said spindle and stud, said spindle adapted to support a roll of adhesive tape and the casing having an opening through which the end of the tape is adapted to be drawn, and a slot beneath said opening, a cutter mounted on the stud and having its free end provided `with a cutting edge projecting through the slot, said cutter being normally pressed against the front side of the slot andadapted upon pressing the projecting end portion of the tapefthereagainst to move to the rear side of the slot to resist thepressure of the .tape thereagainst andsever the tape, saidcutter adapted to automatically spring against the other side of the slot whenv the tape is severedto Vdisen- Vgage from the tape and release the projecting end of thetape for movement to a position'for convenient grasping, said opening being vertically disposed and having upper and lower turned lipssaid tape when drawn outwardly being en gaged against the upper lip at the uncoated side ,of the adhesive tape and against the lowerl lip at the coatedfside when drawn against the cutter to sever the tape to adhere the lower lip and prevent unrolling of thel tape when not in use,

and means for holding the cutter and tape in alignment so that the cutter will extend entirely across the Width of the tape to completely sever the same.

v HOWARD C. GOULD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

K rUNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,250,573 Ferrabee Dec. 18, 1917 1,745,888 Boomershine Feb. 4, 1930 .2,016,527 Voigt Oct. 8, 1935 2,110,912 Krueger Mar. 15, 1938 2,138,338 Casasco Nov. 29, 1938 2,324,204 Fischer July 13, 1943 2,400,776 Nordeen May 21, 1946 

